Breast Cancer Awareness Event
Fight with Awareness. Live with Hope.
Join us for an evening of awareness and support as we share important information on breast cancer detection, highlight mental health resources, and honor the strength and resilience of survivors. Light refreshments will be provided.
*FREE limited-edition shirt for attendees*
This evening will feature:
- Panel of Health Experts & Survivors – sharing stories, guidance, and resources
- Memorial Ribbon Wall – add a ribbon to honor survivors, fighters, and loved ones
- Charcuterie Spread – enjoy an elegant selection of food
- Flower Bouquet Bar – create your own fresh bouquet to take home
PANELISTS
Jovita Oruwari
Medical Director Community Breast Health, Oncologic Breast Surgery, SSM DePaul hospital
Dr. Chantelle Jones
Two-Time Breast Cancer Survivor | Former Missouri State Representative | Community Advocate | Industry Disruptor | Entrepreneur
Born in St. Louis, Dr. Jones is a trailblazing leader, entrepreneur, and advocate committed to breaking barriers and driving meaningful change. She furthered her education in Public Health and Community Partnership Research at Washington University School of Medicine. She also holds a Doctorate in Theology, further deepening her commitment to faith, service, and community empowerment.
Jones, formerly represented District 67 in the Missouri House of Representatives, where she made history in November 2022 as the first African American female elected to serve her district. She is a bold voice for progress, committed to disrupting systems, and continues to challenge the status quo across multiple industries.
A two-time breast cancer survivor, Dr. Jones transformed her personal battle into a movement, championing awareness and support for those affected. She founded The Pink Angels Foundation, a non-profit organization providing crucial support to women diagnosed with breast cancer. Her tireless advocacy has earned her numerous community awards and recognition for her unwavering commitment to serving others.
Dr. Jones is not just a leader—she is a disruptor, reshaping industries, amplifying marginalized voices, and committing herself to a future where communities thrive through bold action and unapologetic advocacy.
Jessica R Vanderlan, PhD
Manager, Siteman Psychology Service at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine
Ponce Health Sciences University Adjust Professor
Voluntary Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine
Dr. Jessica Vanderlan is a licensed clinical psychologist. Most of her clinical training focused on Health Psychology and psycho-oncology completing an internship at UCLA and postdoctoral fellowship at Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri. After fellowship she was hired as a licensed clinical psychologist at Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and has served as the Manager of the Siteman Psychology Service since 2018. She provides direct patient care to oncology patients and caregivers and clinical supervision to psychology practicum students, interns, and postdoctoral fellows. On a national level, Dr. Vanderlan serves as a board member and Director of Professional Education with APOS and serves as the cochair for the NCCN distress guidelines panel. At Washington University School of Medicine, she holds a voluntary clinical assistant professor faculty appointment through the Department of Psychiatry and is involved in the training of medical students, psychiatry and internal medicine residents.
Dannielle Hodges, MSW, LCSW
Cancer Support Community Greater St. Louis, Program Director
Dannielle (Dannie) Hodges, MSW, LCSW, has been a professional in the field of social work for over 30 years. Dannie has served as Program Director with Cancer Support Community of Greater St. Louis since 2018 with responsibility for overseeing the development and delivery of over 50 psychosocial support programs per month to people who have had a cancer diagnosis, caregivers, and those bereaved by cancer. Dannie has worked in diverse fields of social work including corrections, child welfare and psycho-oncology.
Courtney McDermott
Courtney McDermott is an Associate Teaching Professor in the School of Social Work at the University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL). In 2022, she was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer and underwent a bilateral mastectomy, an experience that has deepened her commitment to education, advocacy, and empowering others through awareness and resilience.
Special Recognition to PHSU’s Sankofa Sisters Student Organization
Special Thanks to our Event Partners!
American Cancer Society
Cancer Support Community of Greater St. Louis
Sitemen Cancer Center
SSM DePaul Hospital
